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OPERATORâS MANUAL LOG SPLITTER MODELS 522 AND 586 IMPORTANT : READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest - Warning : covered , brush - covered or grass - covered land unless the engineâs exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws ( if any ) . If a spark arrester is used , it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator . In the State of California the above is required by law ( Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code ) . Other states may have similar laws . Federal laws apply on federal lands . A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department , P.O . Box 368022 Cleveland , Ohio 44136 - 9722 . MTD PRODUCTS INC . P.O . BOX 368022 CLEVELAND , OHIO 44136 - 9722 PRINTED IN U.S.A . FORM NO . 770 - 0362A Page: 2

SECTION 1 : IMPORTANT RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION WARNING : THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH , IF NOT FOLLOWED , COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY AND / OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS . READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR LOG SPLITTER . FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY . WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL HEED ITS WARNING . WARNING : The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer , birth defects or other reproductive harm . DANGER : Your log splitter was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual . As with any type of power equipment , carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury . If you violate any of these rules , you may cause serious injury to yourself or others . 1 . TRAINING â¢ Wear proper head gear to keep hair away from â¢ Before operating this splitter , read and understand moving parts . Always wear protective hearing this operatorâs manual completely . Become devices as needed . familiar with it for your own safety . To fail to do so may cause serious injury . Do not allow anyone to â¢ Always wear safety shoes . A dropped log can operate your splitter who has not read this manual . seriously injure your foot . Keep this manual in a safe place for future and â¢ Always wear safety glasses or goggles while regular reference and for ordering replacement operating your splitter . A piece of splitting log could parts . fly off and hit your eyes . â¢ Never use your splitter for any other purpose than â¢ Wear leather work gloves . Be sure they are tight splitting wood . It is designed for this use and any fitting without loose cuffs or draw strings . other use may cause an injury . Your log splitter is a precision piece of power equipment , not a toy . â¢ Use your log splitter in daylight , or under good Therefore , exercise extreme caution at all times . artificial light . â¢ Never allow children to operate your log splitter . â¢ Never operate your splitter on slippery , wet , muddy Do not allow adults to operate it without proper or icy surfaces . Safe footing is essential in instruction . Only persons well acquainted with preventing accidents . these rules of safe operation should be allowed to â¢ Never operate your splitter while attached to a use your log splitter . towing vehicle . â¢ Only the operator is to be near your log splitter â¢ Only operate your splitter on level ground and not during use . Keep all others , including pets and on the side of a hill . It could tip , or rolling logs or children , a minimum of 20 feet away from your poor footing could cause an accident . Operating work zone . Flying wood can be hazardous . If a the splitter on level ground also prevents the helper is assisting in loading logs , never activate spillage of gasoline from the fuel tank . the control until the helper is clear of the area . â¢ Never attempt to move the log splitter over hilly or More accidents occur when more than one person uneven terrain without a tow vehicle or adequate operates the log splitter than at any other time . help . â¢ No one should operate this unit while intoxicated â¢ Always block the wheels to prevent movement of or while taking medication that impairs the senses log splitter while in operation . or reactions . A clear mind is essential for safety . Never allow a person who is tired or otherwise not â¢ Check the fuel before starting the engine . Gasoline alert to use your splitter . is an extremely flammable fuel . Do not fill the gasoline tank indoors , when the engine is running , 2 . PREPARATION or while the engine is still hot . Replace gasoline â¢ Never wear loose clothing or jewelry that can be cap securely and wipe off any spilled gasoline caught by moving parts of your log splitter and pull before starting the engine as it may cause a fire or you into it . Keep clothing away from all moving explosion . parts of your log splitter . 2 Page: 3

â¢ Always keep fingers away from any cracks that â¢ Both ends of each log must be cut as square as open in the log during splitting operation . They can possible to help prevent the log from riding out of quickly close and pinch or amputate your fingers . the splitter during operation . â¢ Never attempt to split woods across the grain . 3 . OPERATION Some types of wood may burst or fly out of your â¢ Vertical Operating Position : Stand in front of the splitter and result in injury to you or a bystander . log splitter . â¢ For logs that are not cut square , the longest Horizontal Operating Position : Stand behind the portion of the log should be rotated down and the reservoir tank . See illustrations . most square end placed against the splitting wedge . â¢ Keep your work area clean . Immediately remove split wood around your splitter so that you do not stumble over it . Clean chips and dirt off end plate ( wood platform ) after each log is split , or whenever necessary to maintain flat contact between wood and end plate ( platform ) . â¢ Never move the log splitter while the engine is running . â¢ Never leave your log splitter unattended with the engine running . Shut off the engine if you are leaving your splitter , even for a short period of time . Someone could accidentally activate the splitting wedge and be injured . â¢ Do not run engine in an enclosed area . Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide . This odorless gas can be deadly when inhaled . â¢ Be careful not to touch the muffler after the engine has been running . It will be HOT ! â¢ If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally , stop the engine and check immediately for the cause . Vibration is generally a warning of trouble . â¢ Know how to stop the unit and disengage the â¢ When cleaning , repairing or inspecting , make controls . certain all moving parts have stopped . Disconnect â¢ Never place hands or feet between log and the spark plug wire and keep the wire away from splitting wedge or between log and end plate the plug to prevent accidental starting . during forward or reverse stroke . To do so may result in crushed or amputated fingers or toes , or 4 . CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES worse , you may lose an arm or foot . â¢ Do not operate your splitter in poor mechanical â¢ Do not straddle the splitter when using it . A slip in condition or when in need of repair . any position could result in a serious injury . â¢ Periodically check that all nuts , bolts , screws , hose â¢ Do not step over your log splitter when the engine clamps and hydraulic fittings are tight to be sure is running . You may trip or accidentally activate the equipment is in safe working condition . Where splitting wedge if you step over . If you need to get appropriate , check all safety guards and shields to to the other side , walk around . be sure they are in the proper position . Never operate your splitter with safety guards , shields or â¢ Never try to split two logs on top of each other . other protective features removed . These safety One may fly out and injure you . devices are for your protection . â¢ When loading the log splitter , place your hands on â¢ Replace all damaged or worn parts such as the side of the log , not at the ends . Never attempt hydraulic hoses and fittings immediately with to load your splitter while the splitting wedge is in manufacturer approved replacement parts . motion . You may get caught by the wedge and injured . â¢ Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine . This increases the hazard â¢ Only use your hand to operate the splitting wedge of personal injury . The maximum engine speed is or control lever . Never use your foot or a rope or preset by the manufacturer and is within safety any other extension device . This could result in limits . your inability to stop your splitter quickly enough to avoid injury . â¢ Do not alter your splitter in any manner such as attaching a rope or extension to the control lever or 3 Page: 4

pressure by shutting off the engine and moving the adding to the width or height of the wedge . Such control handle back and forth several times . alterations may cause your splitter to be unsafe . â¢ Do not remove the cap from the hydraulic tank or â¢ Perform all recommended maintenance reservoir while your log splitter is running . Hot oil procedures before you use your splitter . under pressure could cause injury . â¢ Do not service or repair your log splitter without â¢ The pressure relief valve on your splitter is preset disconnecting the spark plug wire and moving it at the factory . Do not adjust the valve . Only a away from the spark plug . qualified service technician should perform this â¢ Never store the equipment with gasoline in the adjustment . tank inside of a building where ignition sources are â¢ Completely drain fuel tank prior to storage . This present , such as hot water and space heaters , guards against accumulation of fuel fumes which clothes dryers and the like . Allow the engine to could result in a fire hazard . cool before storing in any enclosure . â¢ Never store log splitter outside without a â¢ Always store gasoline in an approved , tightly waterproof cover . Rain will cause rust on the inside sealed container . Store the container in a cool , dry of the cylinder . place . Do not store in a building where ignition sources are present . 5 . TOWING â¢ To reduce fire hazard , keep engine free of grass , â¢ This unit should not be towed on any street , leaves , wood chips , and excessive grease and oil . highway or public road without checking the â¢ The hydraulic system of your log splitter requires existing federal , local or state vehicle careful inspection , along with the mechanical requirements . Any licensing or modifications such parts . Be sure to replace frayed , kinked , or as taillights , etc . , needed to comply with the otherwise damaged hydraulic components . existing federal , local or state vehicle requirements is the sole responsibility of the purchaser . â¢ Fluid escaping from a very small hole can be almost invisible . Do not check for leaks with your â¢ Before towing , be certain the log splitter is hand . Escaping fluid under pressure can have correctly and securely attached to the towing sufficient force to penetrate skin , causing serious vehicle , and the safety chains are in place . Leave personal injury . Leaks can be located by passing a slack in chains for turning allowance . piece of cardboard or wood over the suspected â¢ Do not allow anyone to sit or ride on your splitter . leak and looking for discoloration . They can easily fall off and be seriously injured . â¢ Should it become necessary to loosen or remove any hydraulic fitting or line , be sure to relieve all WARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY : Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read , understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine . READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL KEEP HANDS AWAY FROMWEDGE , END PLATE , PARTLY SPLITWOOD AND MOVING PARTS . HOLD LOG ON IT'S SIDES NOT ON ENDS WHEN LOADING . OPERATE THE LOG SPLITTER ON LEVEL SURFACE . WEAR PROTECTIVEWORK GLOVES , SAFETY SHOES AND SAFETY GLASSES , WATCH YOUR FOOTING . NEVER OPERATE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS . DO NOT REFUEL A HOT OR RUNNING ENGINE . 4 Page: 5

SECTION 2 : IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR LOG SPLITTER USERS â¢ Prime the pump before initial start - up by Always : turning over the engine with spark plug â¢ Use clean fluid and check fluid level regularly disconnected â¢ Use Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid â¢ Split wood with the grain ( lengthwise ) only or 10W non - foaming hydraulic fluid . â¢ Use a filter ( clean or replace regularly ) Never : â¢ Use a breather cap on fluid reservoir â¢ Use when fluid is below 20 Â° F . , â¢ Keep end of reservoir return tube below fluid or above 150 Â° F . level â¢ Use a solid engine / pump coupling â¢ Make certain pump is mounted and aligned â¢ Force pump when mounting properly â¢ Operate through relief valve for more than â¢ Use a flexible â â spider â â type coupling between several seconds engine and pump driveshafts â¢ Attempt to adjust unloading or relief valve â¢ Keep hoses clear and unblocked settings without pressure gauges â¢ Bleed air out of hoses before operating â¢ Operate with air in hydraulic system â¢ Flush and clean hydraulic system before start - â¢ Use Teflon tape on hydraulic fittings up after any malfunction or servicing â¢ Warm up engine apart from pump in cold â¢ Use â â pipe dope â â on all hydraulic fittings weather â¢ Allow time for warm - up before splitting wood â¢ Attempt to cut wood across the grain SECTION 3 : FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER This Operators Manual is an important part of your you need help from your dealer or the MTD new log splitter . It will help you assemble , prepare customer support department . and maintain your log splitter . Please read and â¢ Every log splitter has a model plate . You can understand what it says . locate it by standing behind the unit in the Before you start to prepare your log splitter for its operating position and looking down at the first use , please locate the model plate and copy the hydraulic tank . information from it in this Operators Manual . The information on the model plate is very important if Model Number XXX - X - XXX - X - XXX XXXXXXXXXXX Serial Number Copy the model number here : MTD PRODUCTS INC Copy the serial number here : CLEVELAND , OHIO 44136 Figure 1 5 Page: 6

SECTION 4 : CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT If you are having difficulty assembling this product contact the Customer Support Department . You can or if you have any question regarding the controls , reach them by calling : operation or maintenance of this log splitter , please 1 - 800 - 800 - 7310 Before you call , make sure that you have both your Customer Support Representative give you faster model and serial number ready . By having your service . model and serial number ready , you help the SECTION 5 : CONDITIONS WHICH WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY 1 . Failure to maintain proper fluid level in reservoir 7 . Improper adjustment of splitting wedge will void will void your warranty , causing permanent your warranty . Become familiar with the proper damage to pump by allowing air to be drawn tolerance required for adjustment of the splitting into pump . Fluid will become foamy . Refer to wedge as instructed in the Adjustment section â â Initial Preparation â â in the Operation section of of this manual . this manual . If wedge is too loose , cylinder beam and wedge wear will result . Allowing the wedge to loosen 2 . Changing the relief valve setting or pressure and be used under operating stress will cause adjustment of control valve without proper damage which will not be covered under knowledge and instruction from the factory will warranty . void your warranty . A very minor adjustment If wedge is too tight , severe beam damage will could destroy the structural and safety limits for result which will not be covered under warranty . which the unit was designed . The system will produce more power than the structure will 8 . Warranty card must be mailed or delivered withstand . Higher pressure could cause the directly to factory . Proper information must be hoses to burst , cylinder to rupture and intense completed and mailed as per instructions . No fluid releases , which could result in serious warranty records on file may result in delay . personal injury . 9 . Do not overheat the hydraulic system . 3 . Disassembling the pump will void your Excessive heat will destroy the hydraulic warranty . If replacement is necessary , merely system with hardened O - rings and excessive disconnect and replace . Do not attempt to friction . adjust pump settings , as they are adjusted by 10 . Do not attempt to start in temperatures under the manufacturer at the factory . o F . without pre - heating fluid in reservoir . 20 4 . Use of incorrect hydraulic fluid will void your Excessively cold fluid cannot circulate and draw warranty . Use only Dexron III automatic into pump . Warranty will be void . transmission fluid or 10W non - foaming 11 . Repair any leaks in hydraulic system hydraulic fluid . immediately . Unattended leaks will cause air to 5 . The flexible pump coupler must be inspected enter system and / or decrease fluid level in regularly . Allowing the coupler to deteriorate will reservoir , causing damage to the hydraulic void your warranty . Deterioration of spider insert system which will not be covered by warranty . and prolonged use after deterioration will destroy pump bearings and engine bearings , along with total destruction of coupler hubs . 6 . Improper beam lubrication will cause premature wear and looseness . Lubricate the beam regularly . Lack of lubrication will void your warranty . 6 Page: 7

The hardware that is used to assemble the wheels , OPTIONAL FENDERS beam and tank will be found in place on the tank or 10 . Using two 1 / 2 " wrenches , remove the hex nuts in the hardware pack . The assembly has been ( H ) , lock washers ( G ) , flat washers ( F ) and hex divided into three sections A , B and C . Locate the bolts ( E ) from the tank . section of Figure 3 that is appropriate to the 11 . Determine the proper assembly holes in the instructions . fender by centering the fenders over the tires against the tank . ASSEMBLY A ( See Figure 3 ) 12 . Insert hex bolts ( E ) through flat washers ( F ) and Attach the wheels to the reservoir tank assembly as holes in fenders and tank . Secure fender with follows : lock washers ( G ) and hex nuts ( H ) . Tighten 1 . Block up the reservoir tank assembly about 8 securely . inches . 2 . Remove and discard plastic shipping caps on ASSEMBLY B ( See Figure 3 ) the outside of the wheels . Attach the tongue as follows : 3 . Remove the cotter pin ( A ) , hex slotted nut ( B ) 1 . Remove the two hex bolts ( I ) , lock washers ( J ) and flat washer ( C ) from each axle . and hex nuts ( K ) on the front of the reservoir tank with two 9 / 16 " . To maximize bearing life , It is NOTE : recommended that you polish the axles of the log 2 . Place the tongue in position and secure with splitter with emory cloth before you install the hardware just removed . wheels . 3 . Remove the reservoir assembly from the blocks . 4 . Place one wheel on each axle , valve stem facing outward . ASSEMBLY C ( See Figure 3 ) 5 . Place one flat washer ( C ) just removed on each Attach the beam to the reservoir tank as follows : axle . Secure with hex slotted nut ( B ) . Tighten 1 . For shipping purposes , the pressure hose is slotted nut until snug , then back off attached to the pump on the engine , and to the approximately 1 / 3 turn or until one of the slots control valve on the cylinder . Disconnect the on the slotted nut lines up with the hole in the pressure hose from the adapter on the pump . axle . 2 . This step will require two people . Stand the 6 . Insert cotter pins ( A ) through slots in nuts ( B ) wedge , beam and cylinder assembly upright , and holes in axle . Secure by bending the ends with cylinder to the top . of the cotter pins ( A ) in opposite directions , using pliers and a screwdriver . Use extreme caution as WARNING : assembly is very heavy . 7 . Check the assembly of the wheels . There should be no side to side play , and the wheels should spin freely . 8 . Place hub caps ( D ) in position on wheels , and 3 . Remove cotter pin ( M ) and clevis pin ( L ) , tap on with a soft hammer or mallet . ( It may be located beneath the beam assembly . Move the necessary to use a screwdriver to tap on the reservoir tank assembly in position against the raised rib of the hub cap . ) beam . Line up holes by lifting hitch end of tongue . 9 . Check tires for correct air pressure . See the side wall of the tires for recommended pressure . 4 . Insert clevis pin ( L ) just removed through welded brackets on beam and reservoir tank assembly . Secure with cotter pin ( M ) , bending the ends of the pin in opposite directions . 10 Page: 11

ATTACHING THE HOSES Attached Control Valve To Cylinder Return Hose Attach Pressure Hose Here Filter Attached To Engine Attached To Reservoir Tank Attach Here Attached To Pump Reservoir Tank Attach Here Suction Hose Figure 5 SUCTION HOSE PRESSURE HOSE 1 . The suction hose is attached to the reservoir 1 . The pressure hose is attached to the control tank , beneath the engine mounting plate . valve . Route the hose between the beam and Loosen the hose clamp on the free end of the the tongue . Secure the pressure hose to the hose using a screwdriver . Remove any adapter on the top of the pump , using a 7 / 8 " protective insert from the end of the hose . wrench . 2 . Remove the protective cap from the fitting on ATTACHING THE LOG CRADLE - the bottom of the pump ( some oil may flow from OPTIONAL pump ) . Attach the end of the suction hose to the fitting on the bottom of the pump . Place the Log Cradle hose clamp at the base of the fitting , and tighten securely . RETURN HOSE 1 . The return hose is attached to the top of the control valve . Loosen the hose clamp on the free end of the hose using a screwdriver . Cut Flange the securing strap . Remove any protective Lock Nuts insert from the end of the hose . Cradle Support 2 . Remove the protective cap from the fitting on Bracket top of the filter head . Attach the end of the hose Carriage Bolts to the fitting on top of the filter . Place the hose Figure 6 clamp at the base of the fitting , and tighten securely . 1 . Pull the beam lock on the beam support / latch bracket out , and pivot it down . Carefully lower the wedge , beam and cylinder assembly to the horizontal position . Pull out and rotate beam lock to secure beam in the horizontal position . 12 Page: 13

3 . Fill the reservoir tank to the top with Dexron III NOTE : See SECTION 9 : CONTROLS for the automatic transmission fluid , or 10W non - locations of the beam locks . foaming hydraulic . Replace vent plug securely . 2 . Place one cradle support bracket against the outside surface of one of the flanges on the side of the beam . HYDRAULIC OIL ONLY 3 . Insert two carriage bolts through the cradle 10 WEIGHT AW OR DEXRON III support bracket and the beam flange . Secure with two flange lock nuts . Do not tighten at this FILL TO TOP time . MAINTAIN WITHIN 1.5 â TO 2 â FROM TOP AT ALL TIMES - NEVER RUN BELOW 4 . Attach the second cradle support bracket to the THIS LEVEL . PUMP WILL BE RUINED . same side of the beam in the same manner . OVER FILL WILL FLOW OUT CAP . 5 . Place one log tray over the support brackets and align the bolt holes . 6 . Insert four carriage bolts through the log tray and cradle support brackets , and secure with 4 . Disconnect the spark plug wire . Prime the pump flange lock nuts . Tighten all eight carriage bolts by pulling the recoil starter , to turn the engine and lock nuts securely . over , approximately 10 times . 7 . Attach the other cradle support brackets and log 5 . Reconnect the spark plug wire . tray to the other side of the beam in the same manner . 6 . Start engine . 7 . Use the control handle to engage the wedge to PREPARING THE ENGINE the far extended position . 1 . Place the log splitter on a firm , level surface . 8 . Retract the wedge . 2 . Fill engine with oil as instructed in the separate 9 . Refill tank to within 1 - 1 / 2 " to 2 " from the top of engine manual packed with your log splitter . the tank . 3 . Fill engine with gasoline as instructed in the 10 . Extend and retract the wedge 12 complete separate engine manual packed with your log cycles to remove trapped air in the system splitter . ( system is â â self - bleeding â â ) . 11 . Refill the reservoir to within 1 - 1 / 2 " to 2 " from the PREPARING THE LOG SPLITTER top of the tank . Much of the original fluid has 1 . Lubricate the beam area where splitting wedge been drawn into the cylinder and hoses . Make will slide with engine oil ( DO NOT USE certain to refill the reservoir , to prevent extreme GREASE ) . Make certain to oil both front and damage to the hydraulic pump . Failure to refill back of the beam face . the tank will void your warranty . 2 . Remove reservoir vent plug . Refer to Figure 4 . NOTE : Some fluid may overflow from the vent plug as the system builds heat and the fluid expands and seeks a balanced level . WARNING : Do not operate the log splitter without the proper amount of hydraulic oil in the reservoir tank . 13 Page: 14

SECTION 9 : CONTROLS ENGINE CONTROLS BEAM LOCKS See the separate engine owners guide that was shipped with your log splitter . LOG SPLITTER CONTROLS CONTROL HANDLE The control handle has three positions . Read the following descriptions of the three positions . Splitting : Push the control handle forward or down . Splitting wedge moves toward the end plate . Beam Locks Control handle will return to neutral Neutral : position when handle is released . Splitting wedge Figure 7 stops in place . There are two beam locks one for each operating position . Pull the control handle up or back . Disengage : Splitting wedge moves toward the cylinder . The Vertical : The vertical beam lock is located next to control handle will lock in the disengage position . It the oil filter . will return to neutral automatically when the disengage stroke is complete . Horizontal : The horizontal beam lock is part of the beam support latch bracket . Refer to Figure 2 for location . JACK STAND The jack stand crank is used to raise or Crank : lower the height of the jack stand . Release : The release is used to free the jack stand to pivot into either the operation or transport position . SECTION 10 : OPERATION 5 . Make sure fuel shut - off located under gasoline BEFORE EACH USE tank is open ( if so equipped ) . 1 . Remove the vent plug and check the fluid level . 6 . Make sure spark plug wire is attached to spark Fluid level should be 1 - 1 / 2 " to 2 " from the top of plug . the tank . IMPORTANT : Reservoir tank must be full as STARTING THE ENGINE instructed . Low fluid level will damage the pump and IMPORTANT : Refer to the separate engine void your warranty . manual for detailed starting instructions for your 2 . Check the engine oil level as instructed in the model . separate engine owners manual shipped with 1 . Place the engine shut - off switch in ON position you log splitter . or move throttle control lever to FAST position . 3 . Lubricate the beam area where splitting wedge will slide with engine oil ( DO NOT USE Engines with choke lever : Place choke GREASE ) . Make certain to oil both front and lever in CHOKE position ( a warm engine may not back of the beam face . require choking ) . 4 . Fill gasoline tank as instructed in separate engine owners manual shipped with your log splitter . 14 Page: 15

Engines with primer : Prime engine as USING THE LOG SPLITTER instructed in separate engine manual . Never attempt to cut a log in half sideways . Always split the log lengthwise . Maximum log length is 24 " . 2 . Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until engine reaches start of compression cycle WARNING : when splitting heavy ( rope will pull slightly harder at this point ) . Let logs , always use the log splitter in the the rope rewind slowly . vertical position . WARNING : When restarting a warm engine , keep away from muffler and WARNING : Wear leather work gloves , other heated surfaces on the engine . safety shoes and safety glasses when operating log splitter . Ensure safe 3 . Pull rope with a rapid , continuous , full arm footing . stroke . Keep a firm grip on the starter handle . Let the rope rewind slowly . Do not let starter handle snap back against starter . 1 . Place the log splitter on level , dry and solid 4 . Repeat preceding instructions until engine fires . ground . When engine starts , move choke lever halfway 2 . Place the beam in either the horizontal or between CHOKE and RUN . vertical position and lock in place with the 5 . Gradually move choke lever to RUN position as appropriate locking rod . engine warms up . 3 . Chock ( block ) the front and back of both wheels . 6 . If weather is cold , run wedge up and down 4 . Set the engine throttle to maximum speed . beam 6 to 8 times to circulate the hydraulic fluid . 5 . Place the log against the end plate . Only split wood in the direction of the grain . TO STOP ENGINE 6 . When necessary to stabilize the log , place your 1 . Move the engine shut - off switch to the OFF hand only on sides of log , NEVER on the end position or move throttle control to the STOP between the log and splitting wedge . position . 7 . ONLY ONE ADULT SHOULD STABILIZE THE 2 . After engine has stopped , disconnect spark LOG AND OPERATE THE CONTROL HANDLE plug wire from spark plug to prevent accidental so the operator has full control over stabilizing starting while equipment is unattended . the log and movement of the splitting wedge . 15 Page: 16

OPERATING POSITIONS VERTICAL HORIZONTAL Figure 8 * * Figure 8 shows a representative log splitter CONTROL HANDLE POSITIONS model . Your log splitter may differ slightly â¢ Move control handle FORWARD or DOWN to split wood . VERTICAL â¢ Release the control handle to stop the wedge â¢ For vertical operation , pull the horizontal movement . beam lock out and pivot it down to release â¢ Move control handle BACK or UP to return the beam . Pivot the beam to the vertical the wedge . position . â¢ Lock the beam in the vertical position , by TRANSPORTING THE LOG SPLITTER pulling out on the vertical beam lock and 1 . Lower the beam to its horizontal position . Make pivoting it to the left . certain the beam is locked securely with the â¢ Stand in front of the log splitter . Operate the horizontal beam lock . control handle with your right hand and 2 . Raise or lower jack stand to attach the hitch to a stabilize the log , if necessary , with your left towing vehicle . Make certain to latch securely . hand . See Figure 8 . 3 . Raise the jack stand to its highest position . Pull HORIZONTAL out on release pin and pivot the jack stand until it locks in the horizontal position . â¢ For horizontal operation , pull the vertical beam lock out and pivot it down . Pivot the 4 . Attach the safety chains to the towing vehicle . beam to the horizontal position . 5 . Plug in tail light ( if equipped ) . â¢ Lock the beam in the horizontal position , by pulling out on the horizontal beam lock and pivoting it to the left . â¢ Stand behind the reservoir tank . Operate the control handle with your right hand and stabilize the log , if necessary , with your left hand . See Figure 8 . 16 Page: 17

SECTION 11 : ADJUSTMENTS Adjust wedge plate as follows : WARNING : Always stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire 1 . Loosen the three hex bolts on top of the wedge before performing any adjustments . plate ( beneath the splitting wedge ) . 2 . Loosen the jam nuts on the two adjustment bolts on the side of the gib plate , located Attached beneath the splitting wedge . Turn the To Cylinder adjustment bolts in until snug , then back them off slowly until the wedge assembly will slide on the beam . Hex Bolts 3 . Tighten the jam nuts securely against the gib plate to hold the adjustment bolts in this position . 4 . Retighten the three hex bolts on top of the wedge plate GIB PLATE ADJUSTMENT Periodically remove and replace the â gibs â ( spacers ) between the wedge plate and the back plate as follows . See Figure 9 . Wedge Plate Adjustment Bolts NOTE : If desired , the gibs may be rotated and / or Back Plate Gib Plate turned over for even wear . Adjust Gib Plate as follows : Figure 9 1 . Remove the center bolt on top of the wedge WEDGE PLATE ADJUSTMENT plate . Slide the gib plate out . 2 . Remove and replace the gibs . Reassemble the As normal wear occurs , periodically adjust the bolts gib plate , making certain flat washers are in on the side of the wedge plate as follows to place under the gib plate . eliminate the excess space between the wedge plate and the beam . See Figure 9 . 3 . Readjust the bolts on the side of the wedge plate as instructed above . SECTION 12 : MAINTENANCE BE AWARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT WHEN WARNING : Always stop the engine DISPOSING OF USED PETROLEUM and disconnect the spark plug wire PRODUCTS . PLEASE DISPOSE OF USED before performing any maintenance or HYDRAULIC FLUID , ENGINE OIL AND ANY BY repairs . PRODUCTS FROM THE MAINTENANCE OF YOU LOG SPLITTER AT APPROVED RECYCLING CENTERS . RESERVOIR FLUID NOTE : Drain the fluid and flush the reservoir tank Check the hydraulic fluid level in the log splitter and hoses with kerosene whenever any repair work reservoir tank before each use . Fluid level should is performed on the tank , hydraulic pump or valve . be 1 - 1 / 2 " to 2 " from the top of the tank . Contaminants in the fluid will damage the hydraulic Change the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir every 100 components . ( Should be performed by an hours of operation . Disconnect the suction hose authorized service dealer . ) from the bottom of the reservoir tank , and drain the fluid into a suitable container . Refill using only WARNING : Use extreme caution Dexron III automatic transmission fluid or 10W non - when working with kerosene , as it is an foaming hydraulic fluid . extremely flammable fluid . 17 Page: 18

5 . Loosen set screw on pump coupling half , and HYDRAULIC FILTER remove coupling half . Change the hydraulic filter every 50 hours of 6 . Slide new engine coupling half onto the engine operation . Use only a 10 micron hydraulic filter . shaft until the end of the shaft is flush with the Order part number 723 - 0405 . inner portion of the coupling half . ( There must be space between end of the engine support BEAM AND SPLITTING WEDGE bracket and coupling half . ) Tighten set screw . Lubricate both sides of the beam where it contacts 7 . Install pump coupling half and key on pump the splitting wedge with engine oil before each use shaft . Rotate coupling half until set screw faces to obtain years of service . However , normal wear down . Do not tighten set screw . will occur . The wedge plate on the log splitter is designed so the gibs on the side of the wedge plate 8 . Install nylon â spider â onto engine coupling half . can be easily removed and rotated and / or turned 9 . Align pump coupling half with nylon â spider â by over for even wear . Make certain to readjust the rotating engine using starter handle . Slide adjustment bolts so wedge moves freely , but no coupling half into place while guiding three excess space exists between the wedge plate and mounting bolts through holes in pump support beam . bracket . 10 . Secure with nuts and washers removed earlier . HOSE CLAMPS 11 . Set . 010 to . 060 inch clearance between the Check the hose clamps on the suction hose nylon â spider â and the engine coupling half by ( attached to side of the pump ) for proper tightness sliding a matchbook cover between the nylon before each use . Check the hose clamps on the â spider â and the engine coupling half and return hose at least once a season . moving pump coupling half as needed . Secure pump coupling half with set screw . ENGINE See Figure 10 . Refer to the separate engine manual for all engine NOTE : Make certain proper clearance is obtained maintenance instructions . before tightening set screw . 12 . Reattach spark plug wire to spark plug . FLEXIBLE PUMP COUPLER The flexible pump coupler is a nylon â â spider â â insert , PUMP located between the pump and engine shaft . Over a period of time , the coupler will harden and Set Screw deteriorate . Replacement is needed if you detect vibration or Nylon noise coming from the area between the engine and â Spider â Steel the pump . If the coupler fails completely , you will Insert Coupling experience a loss of power . Halves Clearance IMPORTANT : Never hit the engine shaft in any manner , as a blow will cause permanent damage to the engine . ENGINE When replacing the flexible pump coupler , proceed as follows . Follow the instructions carefully as the Figure 10 alignment is critical . 1 . Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark TIRES plug , and secure it away from the spark plug . See sidewall of tire for recommended pressure . 2 . Using a 1 / 2 inch wrench , remove three nuts and Maximum tire pressure under any circumstances is lock washers which secure the pump to the 30 p.s.i . Equal tire pressure should be maintained coupling shield . Two nuts are at the bottom on all tires . corners and one is in the top center . WARNING : Excessive pressure ( over 3 . Remove the pump . 30 p.s.i . ) when seating beads may 4 . Rotate the engine by pulling starter handle until cause tire / rim assembly to burst with engine coupling half set screw is at bottom . force sufficient to cause serious injury . Loosen set screw using 7 / 64 inch Allen wrench . Slide coupling half off of engine shaft . 18 Page: 19

MANUFACTURERâS LIMITED WARRANTY FOR : For TWO YEARS from the date of retail purchase for products sold or exported outside of the United within the United States of America , its possessions States of America , its possessions and territories , and territories , MTD PRODUCTS INC will , at its except those sold through MTD PRODUCTS INCâs option , repair or replace , for the original purchaser , authorized channels of export distribution . free of charge , any part or parts found to be Other Warranties : defective in material or workmanship . This warranty covers units which have been operated and 1 . The engine or component parts thereof carry maintained in accordance with the operating separate warranties from their manufacturers . instructions furnished with the unit , and which have Please refer to the applicable manufacturerâs not been subject to misuse , abuse , commercial use , warranty on these items . neglect , accident , improper maintenance or 2 . * Batteries are covered by a 90 - day replacement alteration . warranty . Normal wear parts or components thereof are 3 . Log splitter pumps , valves and cylinders or subject to separate terms as noted below in the â No component parts thereof are covered by a one Fault Ninety Day Consumer Warranty â clause . year warranty . All normal wear part failures will be covered on this 4 . All other warranties , express or implied , product for a period of 90 days regardless of cause . including any implied warranty of After 90 days , but within the two year period , normal merchantability or fitness for a particular wear parts failures will be covered ONLY IF caused purpose , are hereby expressly disclaimed in by defects in material or workmanship of OTHER their entirety . component parts . Normal wear parts are defined as 5 . The provisions as set forth in this warranty batteries * , belts , blades , blade adapters , grass provide the sole and exclusive remedy of MTD bags , rider deck wheels , seats , snow thrower skid PRODUCTS INCâs obligations arising from the shoes , shave plates and tires . sales of its products . MTD PRODUCTS INC will How to obtain service : Warranty service is not be liable for incidental or consequential loss available , with proof of purchase , through your local or damage . authorized service dealer . To locate the dealer in How state law relates to this warranty : This your area , please check the yellow pages or contact limited warranty gives you specific legal rights , and the Customer Service Department of MTD you may also have other rights which vary from PRODUCTS INC , P . O . Box 368022 , Cleveland , state to state . Certain disclaimers are not allowed in Ohio 44136 - 9722 . Phone 1 ( 800 ) 800 - 7310 . The some states and therefore they may not apply to return of a complete unit will not be accepted by the you under all circumstances . factory unless prior written permission has been extended by the Customer Service Department of NOTE : This warranty does not cover routine MTD PRODUCTS INC . maintenance items such as lubricants , filters , blade sharpening and tune - ups , or adjustments such as Transportation charges : Transportation charges brake adjustments , clutch adjustments or deck for the movement of any power equipment unit or adjustments . Nor does this warranty cover normal attachment are the responsibility of the purchaser . deterioration of the exterior finish due to use or Units exported out of the United States : MTD exposure . PRODUCTS INC does not extend any warranty